ethnic

/ˈɛθnɪk/

/ˈɛθnɪk/

Other forms: ethnics

An ethnic group encompasses a group of people with a unique culture. People from Bosnia form an ethnic group called Bosnians, and they share common cultural traditions, which often focus on hospitality and family.

The word ethnic comes from the Greek ethnos, "nation," "people." Groups of people from specific areas who share the same or similar customs are ethnic groups. People who resettle in other countries often bring their distinctive traditions with them, including language, food, lifestyle, and music. There are ethnic restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods around the world, including Indian buffets, Italian shoe makers, and Greek Towns and China Towns.

Definitions of ethnic

1. adjective

   denoting or deriving from or distinctive of the ways of living built up by a group of people
   “ethnic food”

   synonyms: cultural, ethnical

   social

   living together or enjoying life in communities or organized groups
2. noun

   a person who is a member of an ethnic group
   type of:

   individual, mortal, person, somebody, someone, soul

   a human being
3. adjective

   not acknowledging the God of Christianity and Judaism and Islam
   synonyms: heathen, heathenish, pagan

   irreligious

   hostile or indifferent to religion